Exegetical Help

[SaintOlaf]

Hey all,
I'm in a dialog right now with a protestant friend of mine and this verse of Titus 2:15 has come up. The verse reads: "Say these things. Exhort and correct with all authority. Let no one look down on you."

My initial understanding of this verse is that Paul is instructing Titus in the manner which he is to govern the local body of the Church and Christians.

My protestant friend has a differing interpretation,

[quote]Paul is making a list for Titus to define his ministry in Crete. "Declare these things", what things? the gospel as he outlines it it 2:11-14. "Exhort and rebuke with all authority" notice he doesn't say authority over all. He says all authority. The word translated "all" from the greek is a fairly versatile term it could men "all" universally or "all" in regard to a specific set of parameters. If we were going on a trip and you asked me if I had all my things would you mean absolutely everything I own or just what is necessary for our travels? Obviously the latter. But if I were moving and we finish packing the moving truck and you ask, "is that all your things". That would mean "all" possessions universally - everything I own everywhere. What does Paul have in mind, "all" universally - over the whole, global church - or "all" specifically - over all Titus' responsibilities as elder of the Cretan church? Paul is clearly qualifying authority by the word "all". But notice he doesn't say over all but "with all authority" In other words, all the authority bestowed upon him by God by nature of his position. As an elder he has an authority over his specific congregation, but not over Timothy's. His position is geographically specific. "Let no one disregard you" coming out of the previous clause, this would necessarily also be a reference to those within his congregation. They cannot disregard his teaching because, as elder, he stands in leadership over them[/quote]

Now I don't speak or know greek really, so I can't comment on his argument from the original greek. Any help here is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Paul

[thessalonian]

Isn't he saying that it is local because of his authority? Am I missing something? I think you both agree. If you think the passage means it is how Titus is supposed to have authority over all christians I would have to disagree. I think your friends exegsis is correct unless I am missing something.

[StColette]

From what I read of your friend's argument, unless I missed something, you both are agreeing from what I can see.

I take it that your stance on the verse is the Paul is telling Titus that he has local authority of the Church in that area as well as the Christians in that area.

Now, Titus being a Bishop and assigned to a certain area would have authority over that local area. Much like our Bishops today who are each given a diocese to be in charge of. Another Bishops authority would not be upheld in a diocese that is not his own. Now in a certain sense Bishops everywhere do have a certain spiritual authority over all the faithful. If we are visiting a different diocese we are to do as that Bishop instructs, or if a Bishop not from our diocese asks us to please go and do something for him we would not say "No, I don't think so you aren't my bishop" lol

[Ziggamafu]

Now I know there are some Greek speakers on this forum...step up, scholars!